Winter Driving Tips!

Well folks…Winter IS finally here!!!  Most of us Northerners know all about driving in the snow, but it never hurts to review a few winter driving tips to see if there’s
anything else we can do to prevent an accident.  So here are a few ideas that come to us from our neighbor to the north…(no, not the U.P.!)  Canada!

When driving on icy, snowy roads…..

1.      
Gradually slow down, bringing your speed down to what is suitable for the conditions. Not only will visibility be reduced, you will need more time and distance to stop or turn on the slippery roads.

2.      
Be smooth. Make all inputs to steering and braking smooth and gentle to maximize the grip available from the four tire contact patches where your vehicle connects with the road. Sudden inputs will quickly overcome
that grip and the subsequent loss of traction can result in a spin or slide.

3.       See and be seen. If you can’t see others they can’t see
you. Make sure your headlights are on – probably best on low beams where there is less bounce-back from the ice particles in the air. If you have fog lights, try them to see if they improve the situation. They may not for many
are more decorative than functional. If you are going slower than surrounding traffic, turn on your four-way flashers.

4.       Constantly check front and rear. Be aware
of not only the vehicle in front but the one behind. Increase the distance to the vehicle in front as you will need more room to stop if it does. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and monitor the proximity of the one to
your rear.

5.      
Scan right. Continually scan the side of the road to your right, both to know where it is and to be aware of pedestrians or vehicles that have pulled off so you don’t run into them.

6.      
Keep windows clear. Switch to defrost – front and rear – and ensure the system is not set to recirculate, which will put more moisture in the vehicle causing the windows to fog up more and
decreasing the amount of fresh oxygen in the air necessary to keep you alert.

7.       Set your own course. Don’t become hypnotized by the tail lights of the vehicle in front of
you. If you Lock onto them, following that vehicle off the road or into trouble becomes a distinct possibility. Keep looking to the sides and ahead as far as possible.

8.      
Anticipate. Watch closely for sudden changes in conditions, especially on bridge surfaces, overpasses and in wide-open areas where the wind is likely to be stronger.

9.      
Be patient. Patience is a virtue in these circumstances. Avoid passing unless you have a clear road and a long unobstructed field of view. If crossing traffic, remember you will not be able to move quickly,
so make sure you have sufficient time to complete the maneuver.

10.   Reduce or eliminate distractions. Your utmost attention is required, so turn off the audio system, put away that cup of coffee and ask passengers
to keep their conversation to a minimum and not to expect you to reply.

11.   Breathe and blink. Take a deep breath occasionally and the extra oxygen you take in will sharpen your vision temporarily and help
you relax. Blinking keeps the surface of the eye clean and lubricated and works the muscles of the eye.

12.   Stop if conditions get too bad. Find a place to pull completely off safely and sit it out. Make sure you are
well off the road.

13.  
If you become stuck or stranded stay with the vehicle with the four-way flashers on, a window open slightly and the engine running occasionally.

14.   Read more driving tips from Autofile.ca

SAFE DRIVING!!!